The Delta independent., 1887-04-19

slept in the little cradle; and Martha
nobody called her Matte but Paul-sat
rocking it with her foot as she knitted
a blue woolen stocking for tho baby's
yfather There was knock at the half
opened door.
Il have got into the wrong road;
will you be kind enough to direct me
the nearest way to the village?" said a
voice, and stranger stepped in.
She rose to give him the required di-
rection, but stopped short while he
came quickly forward.
.Paulr'
'Mattier'
His face lighted up, and he reached
out his arms to draw her near him.
With a surprised, painful look, she
drew back.
"Mr. Gardner, this is most unex-
pected meeting"
''Mr. Gardner3" he repeated. "Mat-
tie, what do you mean?r
Don't call me Matte, if you please"
she replied with dignity. '.My name is
Phillips?'
..Phillips!' he echoed. "Are you
married."
"These are strange words from YOU,
Paul Gardner; did you think l was
waiting all this time for another wo
mans husband? That was keeping
my faith with one who played me false
| SO soonpn -----... 49,
| f,1-
am come as l promised you. Two
years are just past, and l am here to
claim you. Why do you greet me
thusP Are you indeed married, Matte
GrayP"
She was trembling like an aspen leaf.
For answer she turned and pointed to
the cradle. He came and stood before
her, with white face and folded arms.
Tell me why you did this! Didn't
you love me well enough to wait for
meP''
| She went and unlocked drawer and
took out a newspaper. Unfolding it
and finding the place, she pointed at it
with her finger, and he read the mar
riage notice.
''What of thisp" he asked, as he
met her questioning, reproachful look.
80, Matte! you thought it meant
me. 1t is my cousin. l am not mar
ried, nor in love with any one but
YOU"
"'Are you telling me the trutli?,"' she
asked, in an eager, husky voice. 4
And 'thep, as he replied, ut is true,"
she gave Il low groan and sank down
into chair.
80, Paul. forgive me! 1t nearly
broke my heart! ! did't know that you
had cousin by the same name I
ought not to have doubted you; but
twas there in black and white-and
this man, my husband, came, and |
married himr'
With bitter tears she told him how it
all happened. With clinched hands he
walked to and fro, then stopped beside
the cradle. and bent over the sleeping
child. Lower he bent, until his lips
! touched its wee forehead, while he
mtrmered softly to himself, "Mattie's
baby
Then he turned. and, kneeling before
her. said, in low voice, 81 forgive
you, Matte; be as happy as you can"
He took both her hands in his, and
looked. steadily. lovingly, into her
His lips twitched convulsively
rose to his feet. "a have no right
you are another mans wife.
d-by-God bless you!'
turned as he went out of the
r, and saw her standing there in
middle of the rooE, with arms out
tched He went back, and, putting
arms around her, pressed one kiss
ler cheek, then left the house, new
ooking back.
nd she went down on her knees be-
SIDE her sleeping baby, and prayed for
strength to bear her great trial. They
never saw one another again.
Seventy years old! Her stalwart sons
and bright-eyed daughters remember
her as loving and devoted mother,
her grey-haired husband as most
faithful wife.
.Never was woman more patient
and Kind, and as good n housewife as
ever was" he said as he brushed the
back of his old brown hand across his
eyes while looking down on the peace
full face.
And not one of them ever knew of
the weary heart and broken hope that
had died in her breast. nor ever dream
ed of the sorrowful load she mad
borne through life.
| Roman Remains Near Pan